Danfoss and Iowa State Complete Dynamometer Lab

Danfoss Power Solutions and Iowa State University recently completed an off-highway vehicle chassis dynamometer laboratory.

Developed and administered by Iowa State University with technical and financial support from Danfoss, the facility enables controlled, dynamic testing of construction, agriculture, material handling, mining, and other machinery. It is the only facility of its kind at a public institution in the U.S. and one of a few capable of testing power control and transmission capabilities of large machinery.

The organizations celebrated the facility’s opening at a Nov. 17 ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The dynamometer laboratory offers vehicle performance and energy efficiency testing, as well as evaluation of vehicle component and control system interactions. Designed for off-highway vehicles with tracks or tires, the dynamometer runs at up to 450 kilowatts (600 horsepower) per corner at speeds of up to 80 kph (50 mph). It offers independent monitoring and loading of the traction system at each vehicle corner. The equipment can conduct tests such as fuel-to-wheel energy efficiency, drawbar power, dynamic braking, simulation of uphill/downhill driving and braking, hill cresting, and start-up torque.

Partnering with Iowa State to build the facility enables Danfoss to expand its research and development capabilities and enhance customer application support. The dynamometer laboratory complements the field-testing capabilities of Danfoss’ application development center in Ames, Iowa, by collecting accurate, repeatable data that can be difficult to obtain outdoors. Together, the facilities provide a holistic testing environment for original equipment manufacturers and distributors.

Faculty and staff at Iowa State’s department of agricultural and biosystems engineering led the multiyear effort to develop the lab. Danfoss donated $1.8 million toward its development. Iowa State and Danfoss broke ground on the facility in October 2018. Following delays due to the pandemic, commissioning took place in fall 2022. The facility, located at Iowa State’s BioCentury research farm in Boone, Iowa, is open and available for commercial use.

For more information, visit Danfoss ADC, Iowa State dynamometer laboratory, www.iastate.edu/, and www.danfoss.com.